This comfort-oriented massage is tailored for each individual, from cancer patients in active treatment, to those in recovery or survivorship, and also for those at the end of life stage. Oncology massage is administered by a massage therapist who has been specifically trained in oncology massage and has the awareness and expertise to modify and adjust a conventional massage and to identify contraindications to treatment based on the person’s history, tumour sites and associated lymph nodes.

A properly trained massage therapist will ask questions about your issues depending on your unique situation. Your massage plan will aim to help relieve the short- and long-term side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Any changes made to your session will be adapted to your needs to ensure safety and proper support of your wellbeing.

Your massage therapist will ask questions which include:

Your cancer treatment history

The tumor site or metastasis

Vital organ involvement

Changes in sensation

Fatigue, neuropathy, or pain

Compromised blood cell counts

Blood clots or blood clot risk

Lymph node involvement

Medications

Effects of treatment

Oncology massage is for anyone who has or has had cancer, including those who have been recently diagnosed, those who are undergoing treatment currently and cancer survivors.

Massage therapy can be beneficial to your mind, body and spirit during cancer treatment; it is a form of non-invasive compassionate touch that helps the body to relax. This type of specialty massage improves the quality of life for people who have a history of cancer or who are going through their treatment journey. It is highly powerful when integrated as part of treatment program to manage symptoms and reduce the side effects from conventional treatment of cancer because it makes you feel good.

A study conducted in 2004 (Cassileth and Vickers), indicated that light touch massage was the most effective form of touch therapy and had the following positive results on participants wellbeing:

During conventional treatment of cancer, many hours, days, weeks are spent in and out of hospitals, being exposed to various chemicals, drugs and medical equipment. A nourishing human touch is something that may be limited during these hard times of treatment and is something that a fancy medical generator can’t do for them. Massage therapy is sometimes the first really pleasant touch a patient is able to experience after their hospital stay/visit, medical procedures and exams. The massage is energizing, stimulating, and has been known to help people feel less like patients and more like whole individuals. Therapeutic massage sessions are like sacred time that allows you to actively participate in a part of your healing journey which is valuable in improving your sense of self and overall feeling of wellbeing.

Massage for people with cancer is promoted as a natural way to help you relax and cope with stress, anxiety and the pain related to your condition. Oncology massage is a unique therapy because it affects both the mind and the body providing comfort, relaxation, peace and serenity

Benefits of Oncology Massage

Precautions to Take When Considering Oncology Massage include:

Always talk to your cancer doctor/specialist before undergoing massage therapy to ensure it is right for you

Avoid very deep massage; gentle is best

Avoid massage in any area where you are having radiotherapy

Do not massage areas where skin is broken, bruised or bleeding

Avoid general massage therapy to your arms and legs if they are swollen due to lymphoedema; a buildup of fluid due to poor lymphatic system drainage which occurs as a result of surgery